Javier Bardem turned down James Bond role

The Spanish actor - who plays villain Raoul Silva in new Bond film 'Skyfall' - felt it was not the right time to take on the role of the 007 agent a few years ago, but he was keen to get involved with the franchise this time around because of the ''powerful'' script.

Speaking about the offer, he said: ''Years ago, I was. I don't remember what movie it was for. But yeah, it just was not that time. I didn't feel that it was the time for me to do something like that.

''And also, I was doing something else, so I passed. This time, when I read it, I felt that it was very powerful material, and I wanted to join [a Bond movie].''

But the 43-year-old star does not regret the turning down the chance to play the first Spanish Bond, and admits he is very proud of his career.

When asked if he ever has second thoughts about rejecting the opportunity to play the suave spy, he told Cinema Blend: ''No. I have passed on many things that I could easily regret, but I don't regret any of them, because that also gives room for something else to come that I'm proud of.

''Even if those things were not beautifully executed, those were the things that I believed in at the time.''

Javier nearly got the chance to star alongside Sean Connery - who portrayed Bond in seven movies - in 'Skyfall' after director Sam Mendes revealed he considered casting the 82-year-old star in the action film.

Sam thought about asking Sean to take on the role of Albert Finney's character Kincade in the new movie, but the filmmaker admits it wouldn't have felt right if the acting legend returned to the franchise in a different role.

He explained: ''There was a definite discussion about that - way, way early on. But I think that's problematic.

''To me, it becomes too ... it would take you out of the movie. Connery is Bond and he's not going to come back as another character.

''It's like, he's been there. So, it was a very brief flirtation with that thought, but it was never going to happen, because I thought it would distract.''